Tasmania’s sand flathead recovery program is set to receive a $1.2 million boost from the state government, with the aim of ensuring the popular fish’s long-term sustainability.
The four-year investment hopes to bolster the recovery of sand flathead in Tasmania’s waters with a stock enhancement program.
Resources Minister Eric Abetz said a feasibility assessment is being undertaken at the moment to determine different approaches for enhancing the recovery of sand flathead and other species, which includes considering the use of a marine hatchery facility.
The study is set to be completed by the end of 2024.
Abetz says the government is awaiting advice from experts on whether the current bag and size limits for sand flathead will be extended beyond their two-year period.
“The important thing here is that the sand flathead recovers,” he said.
“We will do what is necessary, but keeping in mind that the Tasmanian population loves a feed of flathead and the sooner we can get them back to catching the better.”
Jane Gallichan, CEO of TARfish Tasmania, said her organisation is welcoming the investment in sand flathead recovery and hopes it will be both effective and affordable.
“You’d only have to go down to shack communities and see kids walking out onto the wharves and jetties and dropping a line and the first thing they’re catching is sand flathead.”
“All of us grew up catching sand flathead and we don’t want the next generation to miss out on that opportunity,” she said.
The investment comes as a new IMAS survey reveals that 27% of Tasmanians, or around 130,000 people, go recreational fishing each year.
80% of those people fish in the state’s marine environment while 20% fish inland, with sand flathead making up 50% of the total catch.
